Question

I have to write the exact lewis electron dot structure for para xylene C8H10. I tried writing it out but it doesnt work out proerly. C is supposed to have 31 electrons and H is supposed to have 10 totaling 42. i was doing research and it says that it is aromatic and i tried to do it as a ring like structure but i have 2 H left over and nowhere to put them. I also tried putting the Cs all in a line and I have Cs sitting there with a couple electrons not paired up. I also tried rearrranging the Cs and i would still have 1 electron sitting alone in 4 spots. arent they supposed to be paired up? please help me!

Answer 1

I suspect you aren't adding the alternating double bonds. Here is a site that should help you.
http://chemistry.about.com/od/factsstructures/ig/Chemical-Structures---X/Xylene.-0VC.htm